In a statement to ABC News, Beyoncé said, “My heart goes out to the families of those lost in the Challenger disaster. The song 'XO' was recorded with the sincerest intention to help heal those who have lost loved ones and to remind us that unexpected things happen, so love and appreciate every minute that you have with those who mean the most to you.

“The songwriters included the audio in tribute to the unselfish work of the Challenger crew with hope that they will never be forgotten."

New Hampshire teacher Christa McAuliffe was among those killed in the disaster.

Many NASA officials, old and new, said the song undermines the significance of the crew members who lost their lives that day.

Clayton Anderson, a retired NASA astronaut, told ABC News, “For the words to be used in the video is simply insensitive, at the very least.”

People with ties to the disaster said want to see the clip removed and an apology issued to the families of the Challenger crew.